From the double election of 1378 to the Council of Constance, the Western Schism divided the Latin Church between rival popes. Avignon became the seat of one of the obediences.
The succession crisis of 1378
After leaving Avignon in 1376, Gregory XI arrived in Rome in 1377. His death in March 1378 opened a difficult succession: Rome’s population feared that the next pope would return to Avignon.
Illumination of an Avignon pope’s coronation, fourteenth century — Bibliothèque nationale.
In April 1378, the conclave elected Bartolomeo Prignano, Archbishop of Bari, who took the name Urban VI. The election took place amid intense popular pressure. Disagreements between the new pope and the cardinals soon deepened.
Two popes and two obediences
In September 1378, cardinals meeting at Fondi challenged the election and chose Robert of Geneva as Clement VII. He established himself in Avignon in 1379. Both popes claimed the same authority over the Latin Church.
Kingdoms divided between the two obediences. France supported Clement VII, while England recognised Urban VI. Allegiances also depended on political alliances and changed during the schism.
Cardinal, missal of Urban V, fourteenth century — Avignon municipal library.
From Pisa to Constance: ending the crisis
In 1409, the Council of Pisa attempted to resolve the conflict by electing a new pope. The two rivals refused to stand aside, leaving three claimants to the papacy.
Meeting from 1414 to 1418, the Council of Constance prepared a new election. Martin V was elected on 11 November 1417, ending the schism for most of Western Christendom. Benedict XIII, the last pope of the Avignon obedience, nevertheless refused to resign and retained a small following.